NCBA Legislative Update

NCBA PRESIDENT URGES CONGRESS TO ADOPT BROADLY SUPPORTED CATTLE MARKET POLICIES

WASHINGTON (April 27, 2022) – Today, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) President Don Schiefelbein, a Minnesota cattle producer, testified before the House Agriculture Committee in a hearing on issues in the cattle markets. Schiefelbein urged House members to support key policies with broad, unified support across the entire cattle industry including a cattle contract library, Livestock Mandatory Reporting (LMR) reauthorization, and investments in small regional processing capacity expansion. “The only people who know exactly how cattle producers should navigate these uncertain times are the individuals who work around the clock, day in and day out, to raise the safest and highest quality beef in the world—in other words: cattle producers,” said Schiefelbein. Schiefelbein’s testimony was rooted in the policies adopted by NCBA through its century-old grassroots policymaking process. Instead of focusing on controversial matters, NCBA has encouraged Congress to support policies with wide industry backing. “Broadly supported proposals have seen tremendous legislative success in this chamber recently,” said Schiefelbein. “However, repeatedly belaboring the same divisive issues has detracted from that collaborative work to the benefit of no one. It is time to move on and focus on areas where agreement can be reached.” NCBA stands ready to work with policymakers to develop solutions that strength the cattle markets and benefit producers in every sector and region of the country.

NCBA RENEWS CALL FOR SUSPENSION OF BRAZILIAN BEEF IMPORTS

Following the recent USDA report highlighting an increase in Brazilian beef imports, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) renewed its call for the immediate suspension of fresh beef imports from Brazil. NCBA has repeatedly called for a thorough audit of Brazil’s animal health and food safety system, to ensure the safety of the U.S. cattle herd. In 2021, Brazilian exports to the United States increased by 131 percent. In the first three months of 2022, Brazil has already shipped more than 50,000 metric tons of fresh beef to the U.S. This unprecedented surge of imports triggered a temporary tariff safeguard of 26.4 percent that will apply to Brazilian beef imports for the rest of 2022. While a temporary tariff increase may discourage further imports from Brazil, it does not address the underlying concern over Brazil’s repeated failure to adhere to international animal health and food safety standards. “We are, once again, calling on Secretary Vilsack to suspend fresh beef imports from Brazil, because of that country’s long history of failing to report BSE cases in a timely manner. It’s incredibly disappointing to have our science-based recommendations met with no notable response by the U.S. Department of Agriculture,” said NCBA Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane. “As beef imports from Brazil continue to rise, we urge USDA to reconsider their stance on Brazilian beef and take necessary action to safeguard the integrity of the entire U.S. food supply chain.” NCBA believes that restricting Brazilian imports all altogether is essential until Brazil proves it is a trustworthy and reliable trade partner, capable of adhering to our standards.

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) has represented America’s cattle producers since 1898, preserving the heritage and strength of the industry through education and public policy. As the largest association of cattle producers, NCBA works to create new markets and increase demand for beef. Efforts are made possible through membership contributions. To join, contact NCBA at 1-866-BEEF-USA or membership@beef.org.

CATTLE INDUSTRY OPPOSITION TO GOVERNMENT MANDATE AMPLIFIED THROUGH SENATE HEARING

The Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry today held a hearing to discuss transparency and oversight within cattle marketing, specifically the Cattle Price Discovery and Transparency Act (S.4030) and additional oversight through the Office of the Special Investigator (S.3870). The hearing has been proceeded by months of debate over the need for increased transparency in cattle marketing, and today’s conversation highlighted the vehement opposition to government mandates by a majority of U.S. cattle producers. “The majority of cattle producers have made it clear that one-sizefits-all solutions, such as the government mandate on cattle sales included in the Cattle Price Discovery and Transparency Act, is not the solution the industry is looking for,” said NCBA Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane. “What is being proposed right now concentrates on what works for one region, it simply doesn’t work for the rest of the country.” Kansas Livestock Association and NCBA member Shawn Tiffany testified in opposition to a government mandate as it could potentially result in fewer marketing opportunities and less incentive for producers to invest in genetics and innovative production techniques that lead to higher-quality beef. “Every producer wants fair market value for the animals we raise and produce and many of us achieve that true value through value-based alternative marketing arrangements. Accordingly, I do not support a government mandate, of any kind,” said Tiffany. “Regardless of how well intentioned the concept of helping producers obtain fair market value for their animals, the end result will be fewer marketing options for U.S. producers.” As the trusted leaders and definitive voice of the U.S. cattle and beef industry, NCBA stands committed to turning the focus to solutions with broad industry support, such as a cattle contract library, 14day delivery, expedited carcass weight reporting, daily formula base price reporting, and incentives for expansion of regional processing capacity.